When I hear that they are able to work in either the US, Canada, or Europe, I ask them why do they not work in the US, Canada, or Europe rather than in the DR? Actually, this is not entirely true, I lye; I actually ask my Russian girlfriend to ask them why they do not take advantage of this unique opportunity to work in the U.S, Canada, or Europe and qualify for a retirement check for the rest of their lives, as well as medical care.
I am from Canada, and i have t say it's not true about this, well, it is kinda but the joke is that when you reach 60 or 65, after only 10yrs of work, you might get a 175$ a month pension.
A few of my aunts and uncles, a few cousins worked in the U.S in the 60?s & 70?s and now receive monthly U.S retirement checks. It?s enough money to live modestly in the DR and even qualifies them for Medicare?which is the U.S medical equivalent of a high-end U.S veterinarian hospital?of the likes of Dr. Bob?s Veterinarian clinic in Sosua, only worse food.
i'm sure it was true about that, in those years, not anymore.
I have Dominican relatives who have worked in the US for only 10 years, paid into the tax system, and then came back home to the DR, opened up businesses and worked until they reached the age of 62?at which point they qualified for their U.S Social Security money. Now, they get a social security check deposited into their Banco Popular accounts every month while they still own businesses. In places like Bonao, they live like Kings. Meanwhile?I live in a conversion van in northern Europe and live off fresh fish, beaver, and wild mushrooms.
That a wonderful way to do it!
My guess is that that a million or more South Americans, Central Americans, Arawaks, Taino?s, Carib?s, and assorted Orinoco cannibals are legally retired after working in the U.S and Europe and have then come back home and live their lives over-eating and consuming Mamma-Juana and Viagra pills until they pass out.
Mammajuana is quite tasty actualy!
I see it like this: for every year that you stay here in the DR working for little money and ?not paying? into any social system whatsoever?including a retirement and health care system (Medicare in the U.S/Social medicine in northern Europe), then that is one year that you have lost towards being able to receive a monthly retirement check, as well as missing out on many other social systems that can help you in case of an accident.
That a point of view.
But wait, there?s more than this that you will lose by staying and working in the DR and not paying into a social system: you also lose the possibility to have your child or children taken care of if something happens to you?an unforeseen accident or health problem like cancer, etc. anything can happen, and will happen eventually, and if you do not have a state or country that will financially take care of your children and family while you are sick, immobilized, or dead, than you have only yourself to blame if you had the opportunity to work in the U.S, Canada, or Europe and yet did not.
In Canada as well the USA, i think its calles "Child Custody"!
Frank
